Council Update Regarding Winnipeg Architectural Foundation Sublease Agreement with the MAA

November 6, 2026

Dear members of the MAA and of the public,

I am writing to you today to inform you of an important decision taken by the Manitoba Association of Architect's (MAA) Council at its most recent meeting. As you may know, the MAA and the Winnipeg Architecture Foundation (WAF) have been sharing space since December 2023 at our offices located at 101-177 Lombard Ave. WAF's sublease agreement with the MAA was for a period of three years, from December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2026, meaning it was up for review and potential renewal this November.

The terms of the lease and general principles guiding the decision to take on subtenants in the MAA offices were based on a vision for a collaborative hub for architecture and design that was articulated during space planning efforts undertaken when the MAA was moving from its former home on Bannatyne Avenue to its current location on Lombard Avenue.

This space sharing arrangement was not without its challenges, in part because of the significantly different mandates of the MAA and WAF, and the nature of the services both organizations provide. Further, many of the underlying assumptions of the "hub for architecture" model were challenged by circumstances outside of the MAA's or WAF's control, including ongoing site security concerns and substantial changes in pedestrian traffic and worker presence in Winnipeg's downtown.

As the expiry date of the lease approached, the MAA's Executive Committee met with WAF staff on August 18, 2026 to discuss a potential lease renewal and to look at charting a path forward to renewed partnership. At the meeting, it was apparent that the current office setup and working arrangement were not meeting the MAA or WAF's needs to a satisfactory level. The MAA prepared an in-depth analysis based on what was discussed at that meeting, MAA staff inputs, potential financial impacts, and other relevant information that was the subject of further discussion at both the Executive Committee and Council level.

Ultimately, Council decided that it was not in the MAA's best interest to renew the sublease/space-sharing agreement with WAF. Council also decided to offer a month-to-month extension of up to 6 months to allow time for WAF to make alternative arrangements for office space that aligns with their needs. Council remains committed to finding new, meaningful ways to support WAF's work in the future.

This decision was not taken lightly, and Council dedicated significant time to considering its decision and all possible alternatives. Council understands the importance of the work WAF does and values its significant contributions to advancing understanding and knowledge of the architectural profession through its programming, publications and other work. This decision, however, reflects a necessary prioritization of the MAA's operational requirements and regulatory responsibilities, as well as Council's duty to govern the MAA and the profession in the public interest.

We met with members of the WAF Board on November 4, 2026 to advise them of the decision and to allow time for consideration of next steps. I will again emphasize that the MAA and MAA Council remain open and committed to finding alternative and sustainable ways to support WAF and its programming and to building a resilient partnership as we move forward.

I understand that you may have questions regarding this decision and encourage you to reach out to Council via the MAA staff who will forward any inquiries or comments. We will do our best to respond to all correspondence in a timely manner.

Sincerely,

Jeff Moroz, MAA
MAA Council President

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UPDATE (November 9, 2026):
Winnipeg Architecture Foundation (WAF) Board President Jon Reid has communicated WAF's acceptance of Council's offer to provide a month-to-month extension of their sublease to allow time for WAF to find new office space that aligns with their needs.

 

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